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7 Reasons Why Mesquite Is the Best-Kept Secret in Texas

Written by info@cityofmesquite.com March 30, 2022
An art gallery with paintings hanging on the wall.

Why visit Mesquite, Texas? Whether you’re an art aficionado, sports enthusiast, or foodie craving a down-home meal, this lively city has something perfect in store just 15 minutes east of Downtown Dallas.

Mesquite Arena and The Mesquite Championship Rodeo

Mesquite Arena is home to big-name events ranging from concerts to the Hip Hop Cowboys Spring Rodeo. The crown jewel is the Mesquite Championship Rodeo, which runs each Saturday evening from June through August.

Devil’s Bowl Speedway

From March until mid-October, Devil’s Bowl Speedway offers racing fans a chance to watch high-performance cars whip around its high-banked, half-mile loop. With 10,000 seats to offer, there are plenty of places to rest and take in the spectacle, or you can splurge on a Pit Pass to go into the middle of the track, meet drivers, and take pictures in the cars.

Premier, Newly Renovated Hotels

Book into one of these five hotels and enjoy comfortable accommodations with a range of amenities. The City of Mesquite has over 1,300 hotel rooms at a variety of price points.

The pet-friendly Hampton Inn and Suites is connected to the Mesquite Convention Center and Exhibit Hall—an ideal location for weddings, parties, and conferences—and the closest hotel to the Mesquite Arena.

TownePlace Suites by Marriott Dallas Mesquite is clean, sophisticated, and great for extended stays, with kitchens equipped with full-sized refrigerators, freezers, ovens, and cooking utensils. The rooms resemble modern apartments to give guests a sense of home.

Holiday Inn Express is suitable for business travelers and families alike, with free Wi-Fi and complimentary continental breakfast.

Courtyard by Marriott, a favorite of business travelers, is centrally located and boasts free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and a full bar and fast-casual restaurant.

Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott offers spacious suites and modern decor within walking distance of Celebration Station and many, many restaurants.

More Than 70 Parks and Athletic Complexes

Mesquite, Texas, has been a Tree City for almost 30 years, but that’s just the beginning. Mesquite’s network of parks offers plenty of pavilions and green spaces. Plus, there’s KidsQuest, an uber-playground where the little ones can run wild. In summer, check out the city’s three aquatic centers or enroll the kids at Rorie-Galloway Day Camp, an outdoor adventure camp that also hosts a Spring Camp Out in April and Haunted Camp Out in October.

A Melting Pot of Food Choices

Eat like a local at Zagat-rated restaurants like Yia Yia’s House of Gyros, and Mesquite Diner, or revel in the flavor of the islands at two Caribbean restaurants: Reggae Wings and Tings and Jamaican Cook Shop. Experience the falling-off-the-bone magic of Texas BBQ at Mesquite BBQ (also Zagat-rated), a family-run restaurant in operation for over 50 years, or try the chopped beef-stuffed baked potato and banana pudding at Slab’s BBQ. Head to Posados and El Fenix for Tex-Mex, JC’s Burger Bar and Snuffer’s for American classics.

Historic Downtown Mesquite

The downtown area hosts the Downtown Mesquite Farmers Market, a weekly gathering of local food and arts/crafts vendors during warmer months, but there are also permanent specialty boutiques and bakeries including Windsor Florist and Corner Theatre.

Mesquite Arts Center

The Mesquite Arts Center is a whirlwind of cultural experiences. Within the facility, a number of events and organizations such as Mesquite Symphony Orchestra, Mesquite Arts Theatre, Mesquite Community Band reside and perform in the space. Music, visual, and theatrical arts are the key foundations to the Arts Center. If you are looking for a kids’ activity or date night, Mesquite Arts Center has an event for you! Current recurring events are the Black Box Series, Missoula Children’s Theatre Camp, Jazz Breaks, Music in the Park, and Artist Exhibitions.

Other Attractions

If there’s any room left in your schedule, squeeze in 18 holes at Mesquite Golf Club or challenge friends to an air hockey battle or a round of bumper boats at Celebration Station. Step back in time at Opal Lawrence Historical Park, a collection of restored farmstead buildings; let the kids loose in the huge indoor jungle gym and exploration center at Kids Empire; or immerse yourself in an interactive experience solving puzzles and discovering secret passageways as you try to beat the clock at Xcape Adventures.